Even more pleasing for the 23-year-old was that Felipe Massa, seven points behind Hamilton in the driver standings, could only manage fifth place.

Hamilton can afford not to win in the remaining races and still secure the title but he stressed he will not change anything as he looks to become the youngest-ever Formula One World Champion.

"I am approaching the races exactly the same as I have this season. I don't need to change anything, just keep the car on the road and score some good points," he said.

"We are in the perfect position to take a step forward and score as many points as we can.

"It is going to be a tough race, we don't know what the weather is going to be like but have to focus on our job and try and score as many points as we can.

"The team have done a phenomenal job, without them we wouldn't be here.

"We had very good pace here and starting in front of the Ferraris is great. If tomorrow we can push forward with the strategy we have we should be OK."

Raikkonen is almost certain to relinquish his title this season, despite being still in the hunt mathematically.

However, the Finn admitted he was just happy to be back on the front row again in a grand prix.

"It is nice to be back," said Raikkonen.

"We want to win the world championship as a team and we will see what we can do.

"If we can win it would be nice but if not we will try to get maximum points."

Heikki Kovalainen completed a good qualifying session for McLaren and will start third on the grid tomorrow while Renault's Fernando Alonso followed up his win in Singapore to take fourth.

Massa, meanwhile, will have a lot of work to do to deny Hamilton moving closer to the world championship after failing to post a quick time in Q3.

Having looked sharp in the previous two sessions the Brazilian could only manage a time of 1:18.874.

"I'm surprised as he looked quick in Q1 and Q2," said Hamilton of his rival.

"I don't know the reasons for it, maybe he made a mistake but there is still no doubt he will have a strong race."